A policy that allows people to buy ferry tickets using New Taiwan Dollars (NTD) was implemented in the Pingtan Comprehensive Pilot Zone in Fujian province, Pingtan Times reported on Nov 19.

Wang Wulong shows a ferry ticket he bought with New Taiwan Dollars at the Haixia Passenger Terminal in Pingtan, Fujian province, Nov 18. Pingtan became the first place on the Chinese mainland to allow Taiwanese currency for buying ferry tickets that day. [Photo/pingtan.gov.cn]

The move marked a milestone in cross-Straits traffic as Pingtan became the first area on the Chinese mainland to accept the Taiwanese currency for ferry tickets.

The Haixia is a high-speed roll-on/roll-off passenger ship that commutes between Pingtan and Taiwan from Monday to Saturday every week.

Wang Wulong from Taipei was the first passenger to benefit from the policy at the Haixia Passenger Terminal at Aoqian wharf on the afternoon of Nov 18.

“It is so much more convenient as it saves a lot of trouble for Taiwanese people. You can tell that Pingtan is definitely creating more comfortable conditions for us,” said Wang.

His sentiment was echoed by Lin Chunping, who was surprised at the policy and said “allowing New Taiwan Dollars on the mainland will bring more convenience for Taiwanese people and boost cross-Straits communications.”

Passengers only have to show their relevant IDs when using NTD to buy tickets, according to an official with the terminal.

The move is a pilot policy on the management of foreign exchange. It will facilitate travel by Taiwanese people and is of significance in cross-Straits communications, said insiders.